Self described as “post ambient metal,” Italy’s Hauling the Cinder are currently shopping their debut 5-track demo, PARALLELS. I suppose that “post ambient metal” translates to “sounds a lot like Katatonia” because PARALLELS bears more than a passing resemblance to the Swedes’ more recent body of work. But as the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. It also doesn’t hurt that PARALLELS is a phenomenal body of work.

If Katatonia were to re-record DISCOURAGED ONES with the same frame of mind that they recorded NIGHT IS THE NEW DAY, I imagine it would resemble PARALLELS. The songs are beautifully crafted snapshots of melancholy - melodious guitar work set against a backdrop of atmospheric synth and haunted vocal despair. Don’t get me wrong, you’ve got your death growls and plenty of heavy guitar riffage as well, but PARALLELS is really about creating moods – which there’s plenty of. The songs themselves are beautifully simple and presented with a level of care and detail that’s impressive for a young band on their first public release.

Hauling the Cinder also cites Isis and Ulver as influences, and the more I listen to PARALLELS, the more I pick up those respective vibes as well. Suffice to say, if you’re a fan of any of these bands, you’d be well advised to add Hauling the Cinder to your repertoire. A very impressive debut from a band I’m eager to hear more from, PARALLELS is an engaging musical escape.